As we saw with the recent tornadoes that devastated Middle Tennessee, severe weather events can wreak major havoc on your life. Throughout the U.S. in 2023, there were 25 confirmed weather/climate disaster events with losses exceeding $1 billion each. These events included 1 drought event, 2 flooding events, 19 severe storm events, 1 tropical cyclone event, 1 wildfire event, and 1 winter storm event.
When property damage happens, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and not know where to begin. Many policyholders often find themselves overwhelmed by the intricacies of insurance policies, confusing legalese, negotiations, the paper trail, reports, and everything that goes along with the insurance claim process. Our licensed Public Adjusters at Honor Claims are here to help. If you’ve faced any type of property damage and the daunting insurance claim process, you only have to go through it once alone before you enlist the help of a Public Adjuster. With over 20 years of experience, we know claims.
Tip #1: Review Your Policy
Knowledge is power and your first step in maximizing your claim. Insurance policies can vary and contain hundreds of stipulations, exclusions and details to review, along with complex reporting required to substantiate your property damage claim. Be sure to contact your Public Adjuster with any questions. It’s important to review your insurance policy in detail. In the event of an emergency, you want to ensure you have what you need. Pay attention to details like how long you have to file a claim and deductible amounts. In Tennessee where we’re headquartered, the state statute is one year to file a claim. Every state varies.
Tip #2: Create a Home/ Business Inventory List
Create a home or business inventory list by documenting your possessions, furniture, equipment, and their values. Take photos and/or videos. We recommend doing this biannually. Save receipts. You’ll be required to provide these details when you submit an insurance claim. If you take stock of your property now and on a routine basis, you’ll save yourself time and stress in the event of a disaster.
Tip #3: Document All Damage
When you’ve endured property damage, it’s imperative to document everything with photos and/or videos. Try to capture every detail with good lighting and multiple angles. Save all damaged items because an Insurance Adjuster may want to see this evidence. Use the inventory list you’ve already created to track any losses. If you need to temporarily relocate, be sure to save all receipts including those for food and other necessities.
Tip #4: File Your Claim
Insurance policies often state that you have up to one year to file a claim. The faster you get to work, the faster you may receive your settlement. Remember, after a major event, there are many claims being filed and you don’t want to get lost in the shuffle.
Tip #5: Mitigate Further Damage
Make temporary repairs to items that need immediate fixes like broken windows and areas with leaks. Be sure to work with accredited contractors and restoration companies. Waiting for your Insurance Adjuster before you act can result in further damage and put you and your property at even more risk. Again, save all receipts and reports for reimbursement claims.
Tip #6: Get Estimates and Get Started
Make sure to do your due diligence and gather full scope of work, bids, and estimates for your repairs. It’s always a good idea to get assessments from multiple Contractors. Every Contractor should provide reviews and references. Comparing projected costs for big projects with estimates from your Insurance Adjuster is also a good idea. Public Adjusters play a major role in this process to ensure any discrepancies between Contractor estimates and the Insurance Carrier estimates are balanced. Our Public Adjusters at Honor Claims serve as your advocate and help maximize your claim.
Tip #7: Document Everything
Save all communications between you and your Contractors, Insurance Carrier, Insurance Adjuster, Public Adjuster and any other professionals involved on your claim. Keep any reports or receipts in an accessible file and save your emails and voicemails. This way, if you run into any problems, or find yourself in a disagreement with your claim settlement, you’ll have easy access to the data and information necessary to support your claim.
Tip #8: Hire a Reputable Public Adjuster
Public Adjusters are your advocates, every step of the way through your property damage claim settlement. Don’t navigate the process alone, hire a Public Adjuster. We review your policy, assess your damage, meet with your insurance adjuster and handle all of the confusing paperwork and legalese. Whether it’s a new claim, or you have a claim that was previously denied or possibly underpaid, we advocate on your behalf.
About Honor Claims
With over 20 years of industry experience, our expert Public Adjusters at Honor Claims help residential and commercial property owners receive fair and balanced settlements. We specialize in property damage claims from devastating events including hurricanes, tornadoes, wind, hail, water, and fire, as well as other perils including theft and vandalism. Whatever your emergency is, we take the confusion out of the insurance claim process and help you get a fair settlement. We help policyholders in Tennessee, Kentucky, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi. Contact us online or call (888) 494-8665 for a Free Claim Assessment!
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